Plante Moran CRESA recently completed a major milestone of the Van Buren Public Schools (VBPS) project in Belleville, Mich. VBPS received the “keys” to the newly expanded and renovated Belleville High School in July and a dedication ceremony and open house were held on Aug. 18.
Staff have already begun the move-in process in preparation for the start of the 2012-2013 school year. Demolition of the old high school, expansion of some common areas and installation of the new parking lot and detention pond are in process and slated for completion by November 2012.
VBPS engaged Plante Moran CRESA to organize and execute experienced bond planning and program management services after the district failed to secure funding through previous bond elections. Plante Moran CRESA reconceived the bond proposal in 2008, working to understand and integrate the needs of the community and the school board. The bond then passed, resulting in an award of $79 million for capital investments in the District. Plante Moran CRESA’s ability to assist the district in obtaining federal funding for the project saved the district an estimated $12 million in interest payments alone.
The engagement, which encompassed 366,000 square feet and 39 acres, included a student demographic analysis, project management, involvement with the design process of the expanded and renovated high school, move management, building commissioning and close-out services.
